After a string of violence in the city, Hartford's mayor and acting police chief hit the streets to talk with residents and ease tension.
Their first stop was at Albany Avenue and Vine Street. Mayor Pedro Segarra and Acting Police Chief James Rovella visited the Hot Corner Market and other businesses. It's part of their summer "On the Beat" program.
"You don't get scared?" asked Segarra while talking to a resident in the business. "No," she said.
They made several other stops on Albany Avenue before heading elsewhere in the city. They're hoping the effort will help cut crime. It's starting up after a violent weekend where two people were killed and many others were hurt in multiple shootings.
"This is marvelous. I like this. It's keeping things kind of safe," said Robert Williams.
"It will probably make us feel like he's more supportive towards us. Probably help us more to know that he's on our side to keep us safe," said Keyena Gaspard.
The string of violence last weekend comes after a time when major crimes in the city were down and arrests for such crimes were up.
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"To say that we have not had an incredible effort during the past year and to deny the fact that there has been progress is not fair but having said that do we need to do more? Yes. Are we planning to do more? Yes," said Segarra.
They're hoping the violence last weekend is not a sign of things to come. This is the second summer they're "On the Beat." They say reaching out through efforts like this helps to stop the violence.
"This is a time for us to work together to actually have an impact," said Segarra.
There are have been no arrests in any of the shootings from last weekend. There is an active warrant for a suspect in one of them, said Rovella.
